East Coast Cruises

Maria Island is home to World renowned geology, pristine beaches, protected marine habitats, mountain views and UNESCO World Heritage convict history. Maria Island is also a sanctuary for native wildlife and is a dream destination for international visitors to come come face to face with dolphins, whales, fur seals, sea eagles, albatross, gannets, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, cape barren geese and possibly a Tasmanian devil all in one day.

East Coast Cruises is located in the township of Triabunna (1 hour 15min from Hobart) and we specialise in cruise & walk day tours to Maria Island National Park. Our team operates a custom-built boat that is designed to explore some of Australia's largest sea caves. The boat has two decks that provide shelter, comfort and unobstructed viewing of Maria's enthralling marine life, unique cliff formations and giant sea caves.

Our award winning 7hr day tours combine a 4hr scenic cruise of Maria Island's stunning coastline with a 2hr walk of the island's convict settlement. A big buffet lunch of gourmet local food, wine and beer is provided on the cruise whilst at anchor in the most beautiful of locations. A shuttle bus service is also available for guests in Hobart.

Cruise to the Ile Des Phoques (French for "Island of Seals") and capture stunning views of Maria Island, the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, waterfalls, limestone sea caves, Bishop & Clerk mountain range and the stunning cliffs of Maria Island's east coast. First cruise to Maria Island for morning tea and a brief introduction to the Island's infamous convict past, before heading north to the Ile Des Phoques. On the way to this remarkable granite island you can see albatross, dolphins, Australian fur seals and whales (depending on the time of year) as well as majestic panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula. Upon arrival at the Ile Des Phoques, we stop the boat and allow you to sit with the seals whilst enjoying lunch. If that wasn’t enough, the cruise then takes you exploring the giant granite sea caves to claim that "once in a lifetime" photo. After a relaxing 1.5 hours at Ile Des Phoques, the cruise returns you to Maria Island for a guided walk of the convict settlement and the most sought photos with the local wildlife. Cruise takes approximately 4 hours. Stay on Maria Island is approximately 2hours.

After exploring the famous Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs and limestone sea caves of Fossil Bay, your cruise continues to the east coast of Maria Island to explore this remarkable hidden coastline (accessible only by boat). A totally immersive and different experience, the east coast of Maria Island showcases mountain fed waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves, ancient geology and beaches of pure white sand. Enjoy expert commentary as you cruise to the renowned Riedle Bay for a gourmet lunch on anchor. This stunning beach is identical to the world-famous Wineglass Bay and is visited by only a handful of people each year. After lunch your cruise again returns to Darlington for a relaxing afternoon. The gourmet lunch provided on each cruise includes Tasmanian smoked salmon, ham, chicken, freshly prepared salad, Tasmanian soft and hard cheeses, dips, crackers, wraps and rolls. We also provide premium Tasmanian wine or beer, as well as tea, coffee, juice and water. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour through Darlington’s fascinating collection of preserved convict buildings, learn about the town’s remarkable history, come face to face with Maria Island’s resident wombats or soak up the sun on Darlington’s white sandy beach.

Join our shuttle and connect to Tasmania's stunning East Coast and Maria Island National Park, saving you the need to hire a car just for the journey. The complete 5-star Hobart day tour! Our shuttle bus service is designed to connect guests to the Maria Island Ferry and transport option form Hobart to meet the 9am service.